Elizabeth Okoye was born 8 September 1954, to her late parents Dominic Okwuechime Okafor and Veronica Gold Okafor (Nee Okocha), as the second child of seven children, and the first daughter out of three girls. She was born into a Roman Catholic Family. Her father worked in NIFOR and her mum was a trader.

She lost her Dad during the civil war at a very tender age and her mother was left to train her siblings alone. It was a very difficult time for them as they all had to do all they could to survive.  At the young age of 8 years, she joined her Uncle, Late Charles Onweazu Okocha and his wife Angelina in Port-harcourt to further her education.  She attended St. Augustine Secondary School Ibusa in Delta State and finished secondary school at the age of 16. 

With hard work and doggedness, she put all her effort into her education to become a successful career woman. Elizabeth moved to Lagos in 1973 in search of greener pastures and a better life for her family. 

She started her career as a civil servant with the Central Bank of Nigeria in 1976 after completing her secretarial studies in Maiduguri with flying colours. She worked in the CBN Career Development Office as a professional secretary for 11 years until she retired voluntarily to become an Entrepreneur. She travelled to several countries in Europe for business and tourism. 

The year 1983 was a remarkable year in the life of Elizabeth. The year she met her heartthrob Mr Joel Nnaemaka Okoye. Their relationship blossomed instantly and they decided to start a new chapter as husband and wife. They had their traditional marriage on the 30th March 1991. Their union was blessed with a daughter. She was nurtured and groomed to become a strong and independent lady.

Elizabeth was a staunch catholic until her death, she loved attending morning mass and was devoted to God. She was an active member of the Sacred heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary and also a member of Catholic Women Organisation (CWO) both in Lagos and her hometown. She was a member of the Noble Women Prayer Group, a fellowship of praying Mothers who were also involved in Charity work. 

Elizabeth was a woman with a very large HEART, accommodating, selfless, jovial and easy going. She was a woman of strength in spite of the challenge’s life threw at her, she always rose back up like a Phoenix from its ashes.

Elizabeth, was a Mother, grandmother, Sister, Aunt and friend to many, before death took her from our midst. Even though we are saddened by your sudden passing, we take solace in the Word of God, which says: 

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live :” - John 11:25.

We believe you are living and resting at the bosom of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.